I'll bet Leo spent a LOT more building his drag stovebolt engine than he could have with a comparatively powerful big block Chevy.
He still would have needed a power adder, but nitrous oxide would have done it. Wouldn't have been as unique, but you'd have to be one dedicated stovebolter to spend 20 to 30 grand to prove a point. Not trying to be mean, but it reminds me of ricers who build Hondas into dedicated 10-second dragsters to prove they can run with the big dogs with fewer cylinders.
...Extreme expense not-withstanding, Leo's ride still is very cool. Some drag racer friends of mine have mentioned that they'd feel pretty bad being humbled by a stovebolt.
